Blackberry

A wonderful bonus to our new home is that right across the street there are tons of wild blackberries. We've made blackberry cobbler, blackberry crisp, blackberry pancakes, blackberry syrup... oh yea! Sometimes I take Roxy out there for a fresh snack.

I have fond memories of picking blackberries on my dad's property back in the days so it is quite nostalgic for me now. My best friend Nathan and I used to make a pouch with the front of our shirt and put them in there. On this side of the country, the blackberries seem more like vines than the bushes we had in FL.

Rzechula

I've known Matt for a decade now. We met in Fort Worth when I attended JSMI Bible School. Him and his ex-wife were my best friends there. Matt's family lives an hour north of here so we had a chance to hang out during his visit. His brother took us to Ruth's Chris, a famous steakhouse. My meal was probably $75. Free food... good times. Matt and I explored downtown for a while and he spent one night with us. It is always great to catch up with old friends.

Mt. Pilchuck

Thanks to Jenn Clark for putting together a fun-filled camping trip. We spent one night at Gold Basin, a beautiful campground only an hour away, with the Clark, Sinclair, and Penergast families. The highlight of the trip for me was a hike the guys took to the top of Mt. Pilchuck (thanks to the ladies for watching the kiddos). We hiked 3 miles and 2000 ft to a shack at the top where there was a 360 degree view of the surrounding sea, lakes, snow-capped peaks, rivers, and snow patches.

Inhome & Online

We've been in our new home a week now, and today we got internet service. So I haven't spent much time on the net and, as you can see, blogging. Actually, I haven't done much of anything not related to moving or taking care of Roxy the last 18 days. Oh wait, we did go hiking and camping one night with some friends (that will be the next post). And I promise some pics of the condo once it is in order. We still have a little painting and organizing to do. Despite, we had some friends over last night for an enjoyable evening.

Trip in Review

Riding with cousin Jonathan
I am back from Florida. Mission accomplished! When I say mission, I am insinuating there was a lot of work involved, it was no vacation. Besides a few times, any time I was away from Roxy, I was working on a school paper. So a lot of driving around in my bright blue PT Cruiser rental car to visit with people. I still didn't get to see everybody I wanted, sorry. I do always put a lot of pressure on myself to make sure I see everyone and that no one gets there feelings hurt because I didn't see them or spend enough time with them. I'm trying to get over that, but it does make me feel a little guilt, a little sadness. So all I did was visit with people which I am glad to do and especially glad for my family and friends to be around Roxy. It was well worth the trip just to be in the presence of my family and friends.

Overall Roxy did well on the flights, but it was a tiresome experience for me to keep her happy. I drove with my mom and Roxy to Atlanta to see Drew and then to North Carolina to see my mom's parents for a couple days. They have a home in the mountains on a golf course. It is so peaceful and beautiful. I wish all my family lived there instead. I had forgotten just how hot it is in Florida. I would be outside in the shade and still sweat.

Upon arrival home in Seattle at 11 p.m., I had to do a 10 page paper due the next day. So after constant work on it with four hours sleep one night and two the next, I turned it in... late. Now though, I have a five week break from school.
Hangin' with Great Great Grandmother